The East Bay Street

The East Bay Street

harleston's East Bay Street offers some of the most scenic views overlooking the Charleston Harbor. Its location at the center of early harbor-side commerce is evidenced by the remnants of early businesses and mid 1700 homes where merchants had stores on the first floor and living accommodations above. Horse drawn carriages still roll slowly through the streets along the water's edge as the sights, smells, and sounds of this vibrant harbor city beckons. One block west, the Charleston Market where locals have woven sweet grass baskets and hawked their wares for generations is within an easy stroll.

Our East Bay Street from the Charleston Collection is offered as a reminder of the proud history this name brings to mind when speaking of historic Charleston. This small, two story, "single house", reflects many of the design elements of early Charleston homes and serves an example of understated old world charm, blending with modern lifestyles.

In Charleston, the narrow, "single houses" were built at right angles to the street in part because buildings were taxed according to the length of their frontage. Designed for a narrow lot as many Charleston homes were, The East Bay is larger than it appears. Compact, efficient and open, the plan unfolds to reveal generous living space considering its 2,179 square feet (2,669 with bonus room). The double, side porch, or piazza, is a tradition in Charleston residential design. It has historical precedence in that it allowed sea breezes to move freely from one end to the other and offered a shaded haven for rooms on both floors. The deep brown brick foundation, so uniquely Charleston, and the subtly painted siding accented by shutters and iron work of "Charleston Green" add to the famous architectural charm. Again, the raised seam, metal roof repeats a local theme in color and style.

The entry foyer opens immediately to a sizeable living room and dining area with direct access to the covered porch on the side. An efficient kitchen and laundry area are accessible from opposite ends, simplifying circulation to the rest of the house. A family room with high beamed ceiling and corner fireplace separate the two car garage from the rest of the house and open to a spacious deck for outside dining and entertaining.

A flight of stairs in the foyer leads to the upstairs with three bedrooms and two full baths. The master bedroom and one other have separate access to the second floor covered porch. A linen closet sits at the end of the hall and pull down stairs access the attic for extra storage. A special feature of this house is the 450 square foot bonus room and bath over the garage. Accessed through the family room, this space is truly private and would serve as a great guest suite, play room, media room or office.

All in all, this compact home offers a very attractive and efficient plan with a lot to desire.